Stray Shelter Puppy Won’t Trust Me Until I Try This…

Join animal advocate Rocky Kanaka on a heartfelt and authentic journey as he visits scared and lonely shelter dogs, armed with nothing but his iPhone and a deep desire to provide comfort and hope. In this unpretentious series, Rocky quietly sits with these homeless dogs, capturing their stories and unique personalities. Through the simplicity of his approach, he aims to shed light on the challenges they face and help them find loving homes. Experience the power of genuine connection and the transformative impact it can have on both humans and animals in this sincere exploration of companionship and second chances.

Carly’s Story: A Tale of Resilience and Hope

In the bustling environment of the shelter, a 4.5-year-old Jack Russell mix named Carly stands out, not for her exuberance, but for her profound nervousness. Found as a stray by a good samaritan, Carly’s past is a mystery, but her present state speaks volumes. With a frozen demeanor and visible signs of hardship, including bites and a noticeable thinness, Carly’s journey has clearly been fraught with challenges.

Despite her fears, there’s a glimmer of hope for Carly. Her affinity for treats presents an opportunity for a patient and quiet new home to slowly win her trust. As Rocky works with her to understand her better, it becomes evident that Carly’s path to recovery will be a gradual one. She remains tense and alert, her body language a testament to her unease. Yet, when offered treats, Carly shows a cautious interest, a small but significant step towards opening up.

Rocky’s gentle approach, coupled with his determination to help Carly, begins to show results. Although she’s not yet comfortable with direct contact or taking treats from a hand, Carly’s subtle interactions, like a tentative sniff or taking a treat when no one’s watching, are heartening signs. Her trembling body and the wounds she bears are painful reminders of her past, but Rocky is committed to ensuring a brighter future for her.

In a poignant moment, Rocky decides on a name for her – Carly. This simple act of naming her is more than just a label; it’s a gateway to building a connection, a way for Carly to start forming bonds and, eventually, find a loving family. Rocky’s promise to Carly is clear: hey will find her a home where she can enjoy the simple pleasures of life – treats, walks, and a backyard to call her own. For now, he respects her pace, understanding that trust and comfort are things that Carly will embrace in her own time.

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Sophia’s Rollercoaster Journey to a Forever Home

Sophia, a 4-year-old Cane Corso, has had a tumultuous journey at the shelter. Initially dumped in the night drop, emaciated and with no background information, her sad demeanor caught the attention of Rocky. Despite initial excitement over a potential adoption when a family with their dogs Daisy and Luna visited, Sophia’s challenges with other dogs and her fear of children led to her return to the shelter, her plight broadcasted on social media in a plea for a new home.

Sophia’s journey has been a series of ups and downs. After being adopted and then returned twice, it became clear that finding the right fit for her was not going to be easy. Special needs dogs like Sophia often face harder paths to adoption, and her timid nature only added to the challenge. Rocky observed her loneliness and anxiety, noting her difficulty in relaxing and her nervousness even when offered treats. Sophia’s situation was complicated by her interactions with puppies and her anxiety in her previous adoptive homes, leading to incidents like knocking over a TV.

The turning point came with Lisa, a woman experienced with Cane Corsos, who showed interest in adopting Sophia. Rocky, recognizing the importance of finding the perfect home for Sophia, suggested an ideal environment would be with someone who works from home, providing constant companionship. The final test for Sophia was the CAT test, crucial because Lisa had a cat at home. Sophia passed this test, showing no aggression towards the cat, an encouraging sign of her ability to coexist peacefully in her potential new home.

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Marty’s Journey: From Fear to Hope

Marty was so scared he pancaked to the floor, trying to disappear.

A week ago, a large Mastiff mix named Marty arrived at the shelter, his eyes mirroring the depths of his fear and uncertainty. Despite the staff’s efforts, led by Rocky, to comfort him, Marty’s anxiety was obvious. He shied away from treats, even a tempting hot dog, signaling his distress. Over time, however, Marty began to show signs of trust, leaning in for head scratches and responding to the gentle tones around him.

Marty’s past was a mystery. Found by a Good Samaritan, he had no collar or microchip, hinting at a life of neglect or abandonment. Yet, his interactions with Rocky revealed a deep-seated longing for connection. The shelter staff named him Marty, hoping the human-like name would coax out his hidden personality. As Marty started to relax, there was a collective hope that he would soon embrace his new life.

Fast forward to this week, and the transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Upon checking on Marty, the staff were greeted with a wagging tail and a brighter demeanor. Marty, once shut down by fear, now showed signs of comfort and happiness. He was eating well, a clear indication of his growing ease in the shelter environment.

Marty’s progress in the dog walking program was remarkable. Initially confused and scared, he gradually became braver, enjoying back scratches and showing a newfound curiosity. However, his fear of other dogs and new environments remained a challenge. During a recent walk, an encounter with a cat overwhelmed him, necessitating a swift return to the safety of the shelter. Despite this setback, Marty’s resilience shone through. The staff, adept at handling his fears, reassured him, reinforcing the bond of trust they had built.

Today, Marty stands at a crossroads, officially available for adoption. His journey, marked by fear, uncertainty, and gradual healing, is a testament to the power of patience, love, and understanding. The shelter staff, confident in Marty’s potential, believe that the right home is out there for him. A home where he can continue to grow, feel safe, and finally, experience the unconditional love he so deserves.

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STORMY: The Cat Found In A Storm Drain

This cat was found in a storm drain along the dog walking path when Rocky was walking Marty! She was meowing up at the two and although Marty was spooked, after safely returning him to his kennel, Rocky comes up with a plan to get her free by talking to staff like Melissa and LT Porter.

Pressured for time, not wanting the cat to run out into the traffic right nearby, Alexis and Rocky coax her out of her hiding place and get her safely into a carrier to surrender to the shelter. He decides to nickname her Stormy.

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Join Rocky’s Pack

Rocky's Pack

By joining Rocky’s community, you’re not just signing up for updates—you’re supporting a fantastic cause. Every member helps Rocky in his mission to give dogs like Redford a second chance. Plus, it’s a great space to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts, share stories, and stay in the loop with the latest rescue tales by offering insights into the rescue process and even giving members first dibs on exciting updates, like Redford’s DNA results. And let’s not forget the added bonus: members get discounts on products. So, come on in, make a difference, and enjoy some perks along the way! Join on YouTube Join on Facebook


Yoshi and Bingo’s Journey from Casino Rescue to Forever Homes

The story of Yoshi and Bingo, two 10-week-old Australian Cattle dog mixes, stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. These adorable puppies, who entered the shelter as part of the same litter, have a tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Found by a good Samaritan near a casino, Yoshi and Bingo were just tiny, vulnerable souls in a vast, uncertain world. Their journey was marked not only by the challenge of finding a forever home but also by the adversity of illness, which they bravely faced and thankfully overcame.

As their siblings found homes, Yoshi and Bingo remained at Animal Friends of the Valleys, their playful spirits and endearing personalities making them favorites among the staff and volunteers. Despite their rough start in life, these pups exuded joy and a zest for life, their fluffy coats and puppy antics bringing smiles to all who met them. The shelter, committed to their well-being, nurtured them back to health, showcasing the incredible resilience of these young canines.

While Bingo had a hold and was on the brink of adoption, Yoshi’s future was uncertain, stirring concerns about him being left alone as the last of his litter.

In a delightful twist of fate, the shelter received news that brought smiles and relief: both Yoshi and Bingo had found their forever homes! This joyous update marked a happy ending for the puppies’ journey, a testament to the shelter’s tireless efforts and the community’s love for animals. As Yoshi and Bingo embarked on their new lives with their adoptive families, their story served as a heartwarming reminder of the difference a loving home can make in the lives of shelter animals.


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